Our precious Zach’s story sounds far too common and familiar lately. On October 5, 2016 Zach died of an accidental heroin overdose. We share his story in the hope that it might save others from the incredible heartache we are experiencing. 

Zach was born on April 25, 1986 and was baptized at Bethany Lutheran in Appleton and confirmed at St. Paul, where his special verse was “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” 

-Psalm 46:1. He graduated from Fox Valley Lutheran in 2005 and went on to carry on his grandfather and father’s legacy at Rozelle Construction. 

His heart was as big as his beard, and his smile and laugh would light up a room. There was never a question where Zach’s heart was—he was real. He was kind. He was generous. He loved eggs benedict, prime rib, techno music, and glow sticks. He struggled with anxiety. 

Zach loved spending weekends at the deer shack with family, snorkeling with his dad and soaking in the beauty of Door County. Zach took amazing photographs. 

He was a big movie buff and could rehash the story line from every movie he ever saw. Family Guy was his guilty pleasure and he would have rather pierced his own lip than miss the new episodes on Sunday nights. 

Zach had a passion for riding motorcycles, and he was quite the poi ball expert. He was proud of his gun collection, and loved his little dog Roo. 

Zach is survived by his parents Rhonda and Ben (Betsy) Rozelle, beloved girlfriend Rebecca Van Handel, sisters Starr Fecteau and Bree Schmidt (fiancé Justin Talbot), and nephew Antonio Fecteau. He is further survived by his grandmother Mooie Rozelle and grandfather Rolen Hartman, uncles Bard (Nan) Rozelle, Ned (Kelly) Rozelle, aunts Linda Hartman Shook, Brenda Cloughessy, Kathy Hartman, and Gina (Brad) Guyette; and his cousins Hunter Rozelle, Hannah Rozelle (fiancé Shane Grove), Hope Rozelle, Jake and Josh Guyette, Jenny Cloughessy, Heather Mier, Danny Shook; Sadie, Tyler, and Kylie Hartman; numerous step family, and countless friends. Zach was preceded in death by his grandparents Harry Rozelle and Charlotte Hartman, and cousin Michael Fultz. 

An addict is fighting an uphill battle. As loved ones, we intervene and do what we can to show tough love and help them out of their agony. 

If you are struggling, or know someone who is – please do not wait until it is too late. At Zach’s funeral, we will be reminded that the Lord asks us to lay down your burdens, lay down your shame, all who are broken, lift up your face. Oh wanderer come home, you’re not too far. So lay down your hurt, lay down your heart, and come to Him as you are. 

The funeral will be held at Noon on Monday, October 10, 2016 at Neenah’s Westgor Funeral Home, 205 W. Doty Avenue, Neenah. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of the service. 

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being set up in Zach’s memory. 

Very special thanks to the Grand Chute first responders and police, and RNs Mary Simo and Brandyn Behnke and the ICU staff and organ donor team at Appleton Medical Center and Madison who treated Zach with love, respect and honor. 

Do not be silent. Winnebago Crisis Center 920-233-7707 Outagamie Crisis Center 920-722-7707.